How to Restore a Composite Door
Composite doors are built with 17 laminated layers that are paired with an unbreakable timber core to help keep your family warm and safe. However, these doors can be damaged by breaking-ins or the force exerted on them.
Cracks, misalignment, and gaps around the frame are common problems. The majority of these issues can be fixed easily!
Cracks
Composite doors are well-known for their durability. However, they can develop cracks or splits over time. These may result from general wear and tear, a knock or impact that is not noticed, or changes in temperature or humidity.
If the split or crack is not too big it is possible to repair it with the help of a plastic filler available at the local hardware store. Follow the directions on the packaging and apply the filler to the fracture, using a putty knife to evenly spread it over the surface. The compound will set, and then become barely visible upon closer inspection. If the crack is large, an expert assessment may be needed.
A change in temperature or humidity can cause cracks or splits, particularly if the door is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. You can stop this by making sure your home is adequately ventilated and reducing humidity levels. You can also use a specific exterior paint on the door made of composite to protect it from weather damage and reduce exposure to sunlight.
A composite door may also sound squeaky or squeak when it is closed or opened. This could be due to a high humidity level, a misaligned or uneven hinges or a door that is swollen. A sticking door can be an annoyance and embarrassing problem, particularly if it's near the lock on your front door.
Lubricating hinges with oil can decrease friction, which reduces the need to use manual force. Additionally, loosening the hinge screws and then adding longer ones can help lift the door back into place and then close it smoothly. You could also try sanding the surface of your composite door to help reduce any sticking or scraping but you should be cautious not to scratch the GRP coating.
If your door is making a loud sound, it could be because the locking mechanism is damaged, dirty or faulty which makes it difficult to open and close it or turn the key. Try using a silicone-based lubricant to the cylinder or grease lubricant for the mechanism to make this work more easily. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to replace the lock's components or have them replaced professionally.
Loose Seals
Although composite doors tend to last longer than uPVC and timber doors, they are vulnerable to damage. As with RepairMyWindowsAndDoors that are exterior, they may discolour over time from sun exposure and other weather conditions. This can make them look ugly and make your home appear less appealing. There are a number of ways to restore your composite door to its original glory.
One common problem that affects composite doors is leaks, usually as a result of worn weather seals. This could cause water to leak into your home, which is an extremely dangerous security risk and one that you must deal with quickly to prevent further damage.
It is recommended to replace the weather seals and gaskets of your composite door as fast as you can if it is leaky. This is an easy task that will take only just a few minutes. First, remove the old seal by loosening screws, then prying out. Once the old seal is removed, you can install a new seal over the gap, making sure it's properly slotted into place. You can also apply graphite or a lubricant made of silicone if you want to keep your gaskets and seals in place.
Another potential issue with composite doors is the possibility of swelling or an incorrect alignment of the hinges, typically caused by changes in temperature or the building's settling. This can cause gaps around the door's frame and make it difficult to close or open the door.
It's also important to regularly check your composite doors' drainage holes to make sure they are not blocked. This is especially important in winter when the threshold of the door could flood if it's not maintained correctly. Regularly cleaning the drainage holes will keep them clear, and will stop water from building up in areas where it could cause structural damage.
Composite doors are great for any home but they may have issues with wear and tears. By following these simple repair tips, you will be able to keep your doors in great condition for years to come.
Dropped Hinges
While composite doors are incredibly durable and require little maintenance, the hinges may fall if exposed to constant use. Fortunately it's a simple problem that can be solved with some simple door adjustment. The first step is to assess the door hinges to determine the cause of the issue. This will help you determine what adjustments to make and what tools to use. It is also important to clean the hinges to get rid of any dust or dirt that could be causing the issue.
With a screwdriver or hex key, remove the plastic caps (if necessary) that cover the tops and bottoms of each hinge. This will expose the screws that hold them in place and make it easier to adjust the hinges. You can apply pressure to the hinges after tightening the screws, to ensure that they are in line with the frame.
It is also recommended to check your hinges and latches periodically for indications of damage or misalignment. This will help keep your door in good order and help to ensure that any security issues are prevented from developing. You should make sure that the hinge at the bottom is bearing the majority of the weight, as this will reduce the risk of your door falling.
If you're experiencing difficulty locking your composite door It could be due to a misalignment of the hinges or a problem with the multi-point lock itself. If not adjusted, the lock could become sticky or difficult to use.
Our expert team can re-align your door and reinstall locks for an affordable solution. We can also supply and fit new handles and letterboxes to give your composite door a new appearance and feel.
Blocked Drainage Holes
Composite doors are a favorite choice for homeowners because of their durability, style and low-maintenance appearance. Like any exterior door they are susceptible to wear and tear that is caused by the weather. But, although composite doors can't be painted or polished as wood doors however, there are some easy steps you can take to fix the most common problems and keep your door looking as nice as new.
Water can seep through composite doors because of worn weather seals or gaskets. This is typically due to gaskets or weather seals that have worn out that have gaps that allow rainwater to seep into your home. To remedy this, simply flush the drainage holes on the thresholds of the door with water to ensure that they're working properly and free of obstructions.
Another issue that is common to composite doors is that the locking mechanism can begin to become stuck. This is usually due to dirt or grease that has built up in the lock cylinder or door handle. To solve this cleaning the cylinder, use an appropriate cleaning product that is safe for use on composite doors and use grease lubricant to help it return to operation.
By flushing the drainage holes using water, you can easily solve the issue. By taking the time to clean these drainage holes every six months, you will stop them from becoming dirty or blocked and also avoid water from entering your home.
Staining is an inevitable part of everyday life and isn't easy to remove from some surfaces. It is possible to treat most exterior doors by wiping with a damp rag, and then using mild detergent to wash off any dirt that remains. Alternatively, you can also try using a chemical-based stripping agent to remove any stubborn staining that has accumulated on your composite doors.
Although composite doors are constructed out of a variety materials, they are still prone to fading and weathering over time as a result of exposure to sunlight and other harsh elements. This can lead to your doors appearing old and damaged, however there are a few easy steps that you can take to restore their appearance and ensure they remain in good condition for the years to be.